Akili Jamal Haynes

More About Akili Jamal Haynes

Boston resident, Born in Brooklyn NY, Akili Jamal Haynes is a master drummer, dancer, martial artist, trumpeter, vocalist, lyricist, bassist, pianist, composer and storyteller. He has over 30 years experience training and performing professionally. He is the founder of World of Chibuzo, a holding company encompassing his original works. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Lenny Kravitz and McCoy Tyner.   

Akili began exploring African drumming and music as a member of the late Nana Kimati Dinizulu’s Kotoko Society in the early 90’s in NYC. He trained at the Philippa Duke Schuyler Middle School for the Gifted & Talented, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts - Lincoln Center NYC, The New School for Jazz & Social Research - NYC and Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at New England Conservatory. 

Some of his original productions include: THE ART & SOUL OF CHIBUZO (Wellesley College), BECOMING CHIBUZO; A TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER  (New School Of Music) - Cambridge,MA.  His theatrical productions include: The Drummer in THE COLORED MUSEUM (The Huntington Theatre), 54th Regiment Snare Drummer and Ensemble in ROOTS OF LIBERTY (Underground Railway Theatre), Lead Musician and Chorus in BLACK ODYSSEY BOSTON  (Front Porch Theatre), Percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, and research assistant to Nana Kimati Dinizulu in RIVERSIDE (Alvin Ailey Dance Theater). Film Credits Include: Street Performer in MONEY TRAIN (Columbia Pictures) 

Akili is passionate about kayaking, squash and Star Trek.  He holds a Green Belt in Chang Moo Kwan style Taekwondo. He is skilled in the editing software Finale, Garageband, Logic Pro X, Imovie, and Final Cut Pro X.

The recent death of his younger brother, Sentwali Lateef Haynes, known as Mr. Metasen, has given Akili more understanding of the reality of life and death. The endurance needed to build a legacy begins with love.